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Press releasesREF: PR/019/08 DATE: 6th June 2008 To: MPs PRESS RELEASE DOES PRISON WORK?Following the announcement of the consultation document in respect of Titan prisons as recommended by Lord Carter of Coles, concerns are being raised as to whether prison works. The Government have announced plans to increase capacity in the prison system whilst ensuring effective regimes address offending behaviour, but this is all being “piggy backed” against 3% efficiency savings year on year for the next three years. The Prison Service and Government have recently announced £50 million for workforce modernisation in an attempt to streamline overall costs. Colin Moses, National Chairman of the POA said: “I have not had the opportunity to fully consider the consultation document, but the POA will respond in due course. New prisons are welcomed, but old established prisons that deliver should not be closed. The real problems in our prisons today, relate to staffing levels, which are too low, the prison population is too high and operational staff have to have their authority restored. For too long prison staff have had their right to manage removed and this has to change. We need a root and branch review of the way prisons work and operate. The public must have confidence in the system and the system must protect the public. “I hope that any new prison or titan prison is not a “warehouse” but a place where offenders can be detained in a safe and decent environment with structured regimes that address re-offending. Prisons have to be staffed safely to ensure they work with staff being empowered to do their jobs. It is a sad day for society when prisoners are claiming “life is simply too good on the inside”. This has to change if we are to have an effective and efficient Prison Service which can cope with the modern day demands of the 21st century.” For further information contact: |
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